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Heroin addiction and abuse is growing, in part because heroin is used as a substitute for some types of prescription medications when the medications aren’t available. Approximately 23 percent of people who try heroin become addicted. With help, you can understand addiction and find a solution that allows you to successfully live a sober life.

Understanding Heroin Addiction and Abuse

When someone uses heroin, the drug breaks down into morphine once it enters the brain, and the morphine binds to the opiate receptors in the brain. The result is a sense of euphoria; the user may have difficulty thinking clearly and feel alternately sleepy or awake after taking the drug. The person may have health problems caused by the addiction. Some of the health problems caused by heroin addiction and abuse include the following:

Additionally, heroin directly affects the brain stem, where the centers that are necessary to sustain life are located. Too much of the drug suppresses breathing, and using heroin for long periods of time can cause changes in the brain that lead to disorganized thinking, impulsive behavior and inappropriate response to stress. Heroin use can be fatal when used for long periods of time, or in the case of an overdose.

Entering Recovery

When heroin begins to leave the body, a person who is addicted to the drug begins to experience withdrawal symptoms, some of which are severe. Withdrawal symptoms can include feelings of hopelessness or despair, nausea, dehydration and body pain. Overcoming an addiction to heroin often requires intensive treatment from a professional alcohol and drug rehab. Careful monitoring of withdrawal symptoms is often necessary.

Seeking treatment for heroin addiction is often the most effective option when you are working to overcome an addiction, and inpatient treatment is the most commonly recommended rehab option.Long-term inpatient treatment allows you to focus on treatment, and removes the stress and temptation to use heroin by providing you with a secluded, supportive environment. Inpatient treatment can last for as little as 30 days, or for several months or longer, depending on your personal needs.

Finding A Rehab Facility

An addiction to heroin doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Finding a rehab facility that offers the therapies that you need to successfully recover from the addiction is the first step to living a sober life. After an intake session to learn more about your physical, mental and emotional health, the staff can provide you with a wide range of treatment options to fit your personal needs. Seeking help is the simplest and most effective way to manage heroin addiction and abuse.

We don't always understand a loved one's addiction and the reasons for it. However, we do want to see that they receive the help that they need to recover and lead a full and complete life free from this disease.We have the resources to design a treatment program which can produce a full recovery by teaching the skills needed to remain sober going forward. The information provided by Stop Your Addiction through phone, email or web support should not be used for diagnosing or treating any physical or mental health condition or disease. If you have or suspect an alcohol or drug problem, you should consult your health care provider right away.